Connelly on why an NFL team should build around Ohio State’s Shaun Wade
“My reflex answer was Parsons, but since analytics are suggesting that pass coverage might be more important and sustainable than pass rushing or run defense, let me make the case for Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade,” writes Connelly. “He has good size (6-1, 195) and can play well near the line of scrimmage (four tackles for loss, four run stuffs). Although Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II and others are awfully close, Wade might have the best pure cover skills as well. He can even rush the passer! The Buckeyes sent him on 13 pass rushes last season, and he got to the QB twice. (That, uh, doesn’t include his most famous sack, the one that got him ejected for targeting in the Fiesta Bowl.) He’s dynamite and could quickly become one of the league’s better corners.”
Early 2021 NFL Draft Big Board
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB
2. Penei Sewell, OT
3. Justin Fields, QB
4. Ja'Marr Chase, WR
5. Justyn Ross, WR
6. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE
7. Shaun Wade, CB
8. Micah Parsons, LB
9. Walker Little, OT
10. Patrick Surtain, CB— Patrick Schmidt (@PatrickASchmidt) April 26, 2020
We can’t say we disagree. In fact, look for Wade to really make an impression this year as Ohio State’s No. 1 guy in the secondary this coming season. He has all the tools to be the next great one in Columbus.
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